By
Rebecca Gibson |
Global ferry trade association Interferry has partnered with the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA) to advance ferry safety and sustainability in West and Central Africa.
The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to carry out studies on domestic ferry markets in West and Central Africa, and strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks for ferry development. Interferry and MOWCA will also provide training seminars for maritime personnel, technical staff and safety officials, and develop campaigns to educate both policymakers and members of the public about ferry safety and sustainability.
In addition, the MOU will enable Interferry members to collaborate with local operators to improve safety.
“The signing of this MOU with MOWCA marks a pivotal moment for ferry safety in the region,” said Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry. “We are incredibly enthusiastic about this increased cooperation. By working closely together, we can share best practices, implement robust safety measures, and cultivate a more sustainable future for ferry transport. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact our shared efforts will have.”
The MOU also facilitates the exchange of information and mutual invitations to meetings.
“This agreement is a testament to our shared dedication to improving maritime safety,” said Dr Paul Adalikwu, secretary general of MOWCA. “We look forward with great hope and excitement to a future of collaborative initiatives that will significantly enhance ferry safety across West and Central Africa.”
The MOU was signed at the Lagos Ferry Safety Conference, which was co-hosted by Interferry, MOWCA and Lagos Waterways Authority on 25-26 June in Lagos, Nigeria.
The event was attended by 220 policymakers, operators, regulators and other stakeholders who explored best practices for fleet maintenance, the role of navigation and accurate weather forecasting in preventing safety incidents, and how buoyage and channelisation can create clearer waterways. Delegates also discussed the need for well-trained crew, stronger collaboration with training institutions, and more placements for African cadets.